Miriam Hanid

The inspiration for her work comes from the imagery of water.Miriam uses water as a metaphor for the divine current of energy flowing through all forms of life. She records the ever-changing element of water in drawings and photographs.Rough sketches are transferred to the silver, informing the visual framework. The silver's form then changes rapidly throughout the making process.Repoussé chasingThe techniques of chasing and repoussé form silver into deep contours. The metal is held in soft pitch, a tar-like substance, while wide punches are used to create depth on the surface of the silver. The process is then repeated to form the other side.Flat chasingA specialist technique she has adopted is to start a piece with flat chasing before it is formed. The silver sheet is held in hard pitch and fine punches are used to make defined lines. The silver is then worked on wooden formers following the main lines of the initial chasing. Often the silver is planished with steel hammers, to give a finely dappled finish.Hand engravingShe uses hand engraving in her work to create a shimmering play of light on the silver.Faceted lines are carved out on the surface with a graving tool. After engraving the silver is then formed or shaped on wood.Scroll down to see selection of items currently in stock